Electric underwater torch



NOV. 25, 1947. RDiTTRlcH 2,431,544

ELECTRIC UNDERWATER TORCH Filed May 4, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet l O i J 6 T I G I 28 (4 1215 41 4e 10 m E:. .5. 25

IN V EN TOR.

NOV. 25, 1947. I R, DITTRICH 2,431,544

ELECTRIC UNDERWATER TORCH Filed May *4, 1.945 ZSheets-Sheet 2 51 lNVENTOR.

' Resymond .DZl/ric Patented Nov. 25 1947 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRIC UNDERWATER TORCH Raymond Dittrich, Forest Hills, N. Y. Application May 4, 1945, Serial No. 591,891

4 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in electric underwater torches.

More particularly, the invention proposes an improved underwater torch which is characterized by an electrode support mounted within the rear of a tubular casing and adapted to support a rod-like electrode which may be extended longitudinally of said casing. Means is provided for supporting the front of said electrode in a certain way. The electrode is associated with means by which it may be readily extended and retracted. A hose is provided for supplying a gaseous medium and/or fluid through said tubular casing to surround the electrode when used for welding, or metal cutting purposes. It is proposed to provide a door on the front of the casing which may be conveniently opened and closed to facilitate the operation of the torch.

The invention proposes several modified forms each of which embodies the board essentials of this invention.

Another object of the invention is the construction of a device as mentioned which is simple and durable and which may be manufactured and sold at a reasonable cost.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure Fig. l is a side elevational View of an electric underwater torch constructed in accordance with one form of this invention.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional View of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of an electric underwater torch constructed in accordance with another embodiment of this invention.

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a transverse vertical sectional View taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken on the line 66 of Fig. 3 illustrated with certain parts removed, so as to clearly show the remaining portion.

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary enlarged horizontal sectional view taken on the line 11 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a schematic wiring diagram of the torch shown in Figs. 3-7 inclusive.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of still another electric underwater torch embodying another form of this invention.

Fig. 10 is an end elevational View looking in the direction of the line Ill-ill of Fig. 9.

The new and improved electric underwater torch, in accordance with that form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, includes a tubular casing it) in the, nature of a metal cylinder; An electrode support II is mounted within the rear of the, casing III. This electrode support includes a central clamp portion 12 into which a rod-like electrode I4 may engage, and spring. portions l5 for centering the electrode l4. These springs l5 ride upon the inside lining iii of the casing Ill. The lining i6 is of insulation material so that the electrode M will not be short circuited.

The electrode I4 is extended axially longitudinally of and within the casing 10. A flexible copper cable I l is connected with the rear end of the electrode [4.

This cable is connected with a terminal l8 supported on a Web 19 of an end bracket or head 20 for the casing l9. An insulated copper cable 2|, for the main current is connected with the terminal l8. This cable 2| extends through a rubber hose 22 attached by a clamp 23 upon the casing head 29. Another insulated multiconductor cable 24 extends through the hose 22 and connects with a switch box 25 containing the switches for the operation of circuit breakers and gas or fluid supplying devices, not illustrated on the drawing, since they are well-known in the art of torch construction. A woven metal covering 26 is engaged upon the hose 22, said metal covering to be used as the ground return for the current. This ground must be connected with the work so that the current can flow through the electrode I4 and the work.

The front end of the electrode i4 is suitably supported. More specifically, it is rested upon a knurled grooved wheel 28. A counter pressure grooved wheel 29 is located above the wheel 23 and engages against the top of the electrode I4. This wheel 29 is mounted upon a plunger 38 which isurged downwards by a spring 3| providing the necessary pressure for moving the electrode l4.

The electrode I 4 is associated with means by which it may be easily extended and retracted. This means includes a shaft 33 supporting the grooved wheel 28 and extending through the side wall of the casing Ill. The outer end of the shaft 33 is provided with a sprocket wheel 34 engaged by a sprocket chain 35 which engages upon a sprocket wheel 36 mounted upon a shaft 31. This shaft 31 is provided with a hand wheel 38, or

other device by which the knurled grooved Wheel 28 may be turned.

The front end of the casing I is' closed with a door 40. This door, having insulating material IB' on the inside, is hingedly supported by a pintle ll upon a bracket 42 mounted on the side of the casing ID.

A spring 43 is coaxially mounted upon the pintle ll and acts between the bracket 42 and the door 49 for normally resiliently urging the door ii) closed. This spring is under such tension that the door 40 will automatically be blown open when suitable fluids, or gases are pumped through the hose 22 and the casing ID.

The operation of the electric underwater torch may be understood from the following:

The casing IE) is engaged beneath the water and the gas, or fluid used to envelope the electrode ii! is pumped through the hose 22. This gas, or fluid blows the door 46 open. Then the wheel 38 may be turned so as to indirectly turn the grooved wheel 28 for extending the electrode Hi. The torch is then used in the usual way well known to those skilled in the art.

In Figs. 3-8 inclusive, another form of electric torch, constructed in accordance with this invention, is shown. A non-circular covering 48 is mounted on the back portion of the electrode I4. A web-like member 49 is mounted within the casing Ill and engages the non-circular member 38 for holding the electrode 14 from turning. However, the electrode i4 is free to be extended and retracted. The means for extending and retractin the electrode [4 distinguishes from the prior described means in the fact that the sprocket wheel 34 which is mounted on the shaft 33, is located within the casing H]. The chain 35 is positioned within the casing 10 and connects with the sprocket wheel 35 which is also within the casing 58. The sprocket wheel 36 is mounted on the shaft 31 which extends through the casing in and is provided with the knob 38, or other turning device.

The door 46 is provided with a slotted arm 50. A solenoid is mounted on a clamp 52 which is engaged about the casing [0. The core of the solenoid 5i connects with a rod 53 provided with a pin 5t engaging the slot of the arm 50.

A spring 55 on the core of the solenoid 5| normally urges the core outwards so as to force the door 48 closed. A contact 58 is mounted within the casing at a point near the front end of the electrode IQ. Solenoid 5| is energized by contact of electrode [4 with contact 58.

The switch 58 is connected in an electric circuit which controls the solenoid 5|. The arrangement is such that when the knob 38 is turned to extend the electrode Hi, the electrode it closes the switch 58, which in turn causes the solenoid 5i to be energized. The core 56 of the solenoid is then retracted, which indirectly pivots the door so open. Now the electrode [4 may be fully extended. When the electrode I4 is retracted it will soon pass a point at which the switch 58 will be released. The switch 53 then opens and the solenoid 5| is de-energized.

In other respects this form of the invention is similar to that previously shown and like reference numerals identify like parts in each of the several views.

This form of the invention is used very similarly to the prior form. However, the gas, or fluid pressure is not depended upon to open the door 46. The door 46 is opened by the solenoid 5|. Moreover, the sprocket chain 35 and the sprockets are located within the casing [0.

In Figs. 9 and 10 still another form of the invention has been disclosed which is very similar to the second form of the invention, distinguishing merely in the fact that the casing I0 is provided with a slide door 65. This slide door 65 works in a frame 66 mounted upon the front end of the casing Ill.

The slide door 65 is connected by a rod 61 with the core 68 of a solenoid 5|. A spring 69 normally urges the core 68 into its extended position, in which the door 65 is closed.

The rear support for the electrode [4 is also somewhat different. It is formed from several springs 10 which slidably support the electrode [4 so that it may be extended and retracted. These springs 10 are mounted on and connected with a ring H. This ring H is insulated from casing 20 and connected to a woven metal hose which serves as an electrical conductor similar to the woven metal covering 26.

In other respects this form of the invention is similar to the prior forms of the invention.

It is to be understood that a suitable spotlight may be attached to the casing of the underwater torch.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. An electric underwater torch, comprising a tubular casing, an electrode support mounted within the rear of said casing, a r0d-like electrode extending longitudinally of and within said casing and having its rear end supported by said support, means for supporting the front of said electrode, means for extending and retracting said electrode, a hose for supplying a fluid through said casing, an electric circuit for and including said electrode, a door for the front of said casing, and means for closing and opening said door, said electrode support comprising a bracket for receiving and supporting the rear end of the electrode, and springs slidably supporting said bracket centrally within said casing, and a flexible copper cable connected with the inner end of said bracket.

2. An electric underwater torch, comprising a tubular casing, an electrode support mounted within the rear of said casing, a rod-like electrode extending longitudinally of and within said casing and having its rear end supported by said support, means for supporting the front of said electrode, means for extending and retracting said electrode, a hose for supplying a fluid through said casing, an electric circuit including a copper cable and including said electrode, a door for the front of said casing, and means for closing and opening said door, said copper cable being connected with a terminal to which the main insulated copper cable for the main current is connected.

3. An electric underwater torch, comprising a tubular casing, an electrode support mounted within the rear of said casing, a rod-like electrode extending longitudinally of and within said casing and having its rear end supported by said support, means for supporting the front of said electrode, means for extending and retracting said electrode, a hose for supplying a fluid through said casing, an electric circuit including a copper cable and including said electrode, a door for the front of said casing, and means for closing and opening said door, said copper cable being connected with a terminal to which the main insulated copper cable for the main current is connected, said hose being provided with a metal woven cover which may be used as a ground for the torch.

4. An electric underwater torch, comprising a tubular casing, an electrode support mounted within the rear of said casing, a rod-like electrode extending longitudinally of and within said casing and having its rear end supported by said support, means for supporting the front of said electrode, means for extending and retracting said electrode, a hose for supplying a fluid through said casing, an electric circuit for and including said electrode, a door for the front of REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent: I

UNITED STATES PATENTS 15 Number Name Date 2,079,956 Burgett May 11, 1937 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 20 681,286 Germany Sept. 20, 1939 

